How to save scam evidence
Good evidence helps banks and authorities act and supports any chance of recovery. Capture it before deleting or blocking.
Quick answer
Good evidence helps banks and authorities act and supports any chance of recovery. Capture it before deleting or blocking.
- Screenshot the full conversation with dates and sender details
- Note phone numbers, usernames, and wallet or account addresses
- Save transaction references, receipts, and amounts
- Record website addresses without reopening them
Do this now
- Screenshot the message before deleting anything.
- Note dates, amounts, sender details, and any references.
- Keep payment proof and store it all in one place.
Understanding what happened
Good evidence is what turns 'I was scammed' into something your bank and the authorities can act on. It also protects you if you need to dispute a charge or prove a loss later. Capturing it early - before anything is deleted or expires - is far easier than reconstructing it afterwards.
The most useful evidence is specific: screenshots of the messages, the sender's number or address, dates and times, amounts, reference numbers, and the account, wallet, or link involved. For payments, your transaction confirmation or statement entry is key.
Capture before you clean up. It's tempting to delete and block immediately, but a screenshot taken first preserves the detail. Store everything in one place - a folder or note - so you're not hunting for pieces when you report.
Share evidence only through official channels, and never re-engage the scammer to 'collect more proof'. You already have what matters; contacting them again only exposes you further. Keep your records until any dispute or report is fully resolved.
First 5 minutes
- Screenshot the full conversation with dates and sender details
- Note phone numbers, usernames, and wallet or account addresses
- Save transaction references, receipts, and amounts
- Record website addresses without reopening them
First 24 hours
- Store evidence somewhere safe and backed up
- Submit it with your official report
- Avoid editing or cropping originals
- Keep a simple timeline of events
Next 7 days
- Keep evidence until any dispute/report is resolved.
- Back it up securely.
- Share only with official channels.
What not to do
- Do not pay anyone who promises to recover your money for an upfront fee
- Do not act on follow-up messages claiming to be the fraud team
- Do not delete evidence before saving it
Evidence to save
- Screenshots of the message and sender details
- Phone numbers, usernames, links, and account or wallet addresses
- Transaction references, receipts, and amounts
How to report
- Gather your evidence first (screenshots, dates, amounts, any reference numbers).
- Report to your national fraud/cybercrime body and, if money moved, to your bank.
- Find the right official links for your country in the reporting directory.
Find official reporting links for your country in the reporting directory.
- Do not use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message - look up the official ones yourself.
- Report quickly if money was sent or ID documents were shared; speed improves your options.
- Keep your evidence - see how to save scam evidence.
Beware of recovery scams: no legitimate service guarantees getting your money back for an upfront fee.
Stop it happening again
Keep evidence until any dispute or report is fully resolved, and back it up somewhere safe.
Share evidence only through official reporting channels, never by replying to the scammer.
Related red flags
Related terms
This is general safety information, not legal, financial, or cybersecurity incident-response advice.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly should I act?
As soon as possible. Fast action - especially contacting your bank - gives the best chance of limiting harm or stopping a payment.
Will I get my money back?
Sometimes, if you act quickly, but there is no guarantee. Be very cautious of anyone who promises guaranteed recovery for an upfront fee - that is a recovery scam.
What evidence matters most?
Screenshots of the message and any payment proof, plus dates, amounts, and reference numbers. These support bank disputes and official reports.